(Box Score) (Box Score 2)
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. ( Sept. 9, 2023) – Florida National University’s volleyball team put up a valiant effort in two games at the Florida Memorial University Tri-match held Sept. 9. The host Lions (1-0) delivered a stunning 3-0 win over the Conquistadors (0-3) and Edward Waters University (2-2) denied FNU a much-needed win, defeating FNU 3-1.
Game one versus FMU was an early battle. A service ace from transfer Taylor Purdy cut the Lions lead to 10-9. But FMU went on a run, including five-straight points to claim the opening set 14-25. The Conquistadors came alive in the second, making it a close game. The Lions took a 22-19 lead before FNU took a timeout to regroup towards the end of the set. A kill by FMU’s Caroline Souza and a ball-handling error by Ivette Sandoval solidified a 25-22 set win for the Lions.
The third and final set of the opener saw the Lions rack up 11 kills en route to a dominant finish to their season opener. A kill from Layla Cortez gave the Conquistadors a 4-0 lead, forcing a Lions timeout in the early goings. What followed was a 10-point swing for the Lions, culminating in a 25-13 set victory to end the contest.
Game two versus EWU was a thrilling 3-1 win for the visiting Tigers. EWU won the first set 25-21 but fell short of the mark in the second as FNU got its lone point of the afternoon 25-20.
The Tigers stormed back, however, in the next two frames, winning 25-22 and 25-21, respectively. Cortez led the way with 10 kills to go along with seven kills. Taysha Ortega and Purdy racked up 13 digs. Sandoval was crucial in FNU’s attack, picking up 20 assists.
Up Next: FNU faces the Trinity College of Florida Tigers Sept. 12 at 6 p.m.
